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WHO ARE WE?

Holy Cross Catholic Church offers a progressive alternative in the Catholic tradition
The clergy of Holy Cross Catholic Church has direct Apostolic Succession from Saint Peter and is consistent with the traditional Roman Catholic beliefs as contained in the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds
 
Holy Cross Catholic Church affirms traditional beliefs about faith and love, spirituality, community and prayer.
 
Holy Cross Catholic Church celebrates the seven Sacraments, acknowledges the primacy of Sacred Scripture and the imperative nature of conscience.
 
Holy Cross Catholic Church adheres to the essential of Catholic doctrine and custom as expressed in the statements of Vatican Council II.
 
Holy Cross Catholic Church proclaims the unconditional love and compassion of God which embraces every human person as holy and redeemed.
 
Holy Cross Catholic Church acknowledges the power of the Holy Spirit who speaks through the "sensus fidelium" ("sense of the faithful") of the Catholic Church.
 
 Holy Cross Catholic Church is...
 Inclusive - Holy Cross Catholic Church seeks to reach out to all persons as called to holiness. Every individual is embraced communally and sacramentally regardless of marital status, sexuality, or lifestyle. The grace of Baptism is conferred upon any person or child of a person desiring to be received into the Mystical Body of Christ.
 
Proactive- Holy Cross Catholic Church believes that the Holy Spirit continues to inspire the Church through the “Sense of the Faithful,” allowing for growth and transformation in both the individual and the institution.
 
Compassionate- Holy Cross Catholic Church is present and available to the spiritual struggles of the people. Offering a supportive community of faith, individuals are affirmed for their Fundamental Option for God and their desire for holiness.
 
 Are They Really Catholic? Yes, we are! How can this be?
First and foremost, the answer lies within the fact that the Old Catholic Church did not LEAVE the unified Catholic Church. They were initially separated by the issue of persecution. Therefore, there has never been a real issue over the validity of the Old Catholics or their relationship with the Catholic Church.
 
Secondly, there have been repeated affirmations by the Roman Catholic Church though the Papacy and other governing bodies. Some of which are listed here.
 
Historical Affirmations Regarding our Validity by The Vatican
  • Utrecht receives Rights of Autonomy from Blessed Pope Eugene III in 1145.
  • This Right is confirmed by Pope Leo in 1215 and becomes known universally as the Leonine Privilege.
  • Privilege subsequently reconfirmed in two Church Councils in 1520 and 1717.
  
Most Recent Affirmations
"The Roman Church recognizes the validity of Old Catholic Orders and Sacraments." 1974, Catholic Almanac, Our Sunday Visitor
 
A Concordat was signed between the Holy Father, Pope Paul VI, and Archbishop Glazmaker of Utrecht in 1976, recognizing the Catholic status of one another and the validity of one another's Sacraments.
 
Dominus Iesus issued by the Roman Catholic Magisterium in the year 2000, signed by John Paul II on June 16, and Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger on August 6, states:
 
"The churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the (Roman) Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by Apostolic Succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular churches."

"The Old Catholics, like the Orthodox, possess a valid priesthood." Separated Brethren, William J. Whalen

"...Ordinations performed by the bishops of the Old Catholic Church are considered valid." A Practical Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, Rev. Stanislaw Woywood, OFM, LLB